Join our 13-day trip to Yunnan and Sichuan, a spectacular route that crosses ancient cities, Tibetan villages, and the most impressive alpine landscapes of Southwest China.
From the cobblestone streets of the ancient cities of Dali and Lijiang in Yunnan province, crossing into Sichuan to the sacred peaks of Yading National Park, passing through Buddhist monasteries, breathtaking gorges, and hidden villages in the Eastern Himalayas.
This trip to Yunnan and Sichuan combines the best of culture, nature, and adventure, featuring a private driver and local guides to accompany you at every stage.
13-Day Itinerary through Yunnan and Sichuan
Day 1 – Arrival in Dali: Three Pagodas and Erhai Lake
- Arrival in the old town of Dali, a beautiful city on the shores of Erhai Lake.
- Visit the famous Three Pagodas of Dali and their Buddhist temple.
- Stroll along Erhai Lake and enjoy free time in the Dali Ancient City.
- Night in Dali.
Day 2 – Dali → Xizhou → Zhoucheng → Shibaoshan → Shaxi
- Tour of the traditional villages of Xizhou and Zhoucheng.
- Stop at the temples and caves of Shibaoshan.
- Arrival in Shaxi, an ancient town on the Tea and Horse Road.
- Night in Shaxi.
Day 3 – Shaxi → Lijiang Ancient City
- Walk through the historic center of Shaxi.
- Transfer to the Lijiang Ancient City, a World Heritage site.
- Afternoon to visit the Lijiang Old Town.
- Night in Lijiang.
Day 4 – Lijiang → Tiger Leaping Gorge → Shangri-La
- Excursion to the legendary Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest canyons in the world.
- Continue toward Shangri-La, with stops at valley viewpoints.
- Night visit to the old town of Shangri-La.
- Night in Shangri-La.
Day 5 – Shangri-La → Xiangcheng → Daocheng → Yading
- Long but spectacular journey through Tibetan valleys, nomadic villages, and mountain passes.
- Arrival in Daocheng and continuation to Yading National Park.
- Night in Yading or Riwa.
Day 6 – Yading National Park
- Full day in “Little Shangri-La”: turquoise lakes, glaciers, and sacred mountains (Chenrezig, Chana Dorje, and Jampelyang).
- Optional trekking to Milk Lake and Five Color Lake.
- Night in Yading.
Day 7 – Yading → Litang → Xinduqiao
- Departure for Litang, the birthplace of several Dalai Lamas. Entering Sichuan province.
- Visit the Litang monastery and tour the Tibetan steppe.
- Arrival in Xinduqiao, known as the “photographer’s paradise.”
- Night in Xinduqiao.
Day 8 – Xinduqiao → Tagong → Danba
- Tour the Tagong grasslands, featuring Buddhist monasteries and views of Mount Yala.
- Arrival in Danba, famous for its stone towers and Tibetan villages.
- Night in Danba.
Day 9 – Danba → Mount Siguniang
- Transfer to Mount Siguniang (Four Maiden’s Mountain), one of Sichuan’s most impressive ranges.
- Stop at Jiaju Tibetan Village, considered one of the most beautiful villages in China.
- Night at the base of Siguniang.
Day 10 – Excursion in Mount Siguniang
- Day of trekking/excursions in the valleys of Mount Siguniang (Shuangqiao, Changping, or Haizi).
- Alpine landscapes, glaciers, and fairytale forests.
- Night in Siguniang.
Day 11 – Mount Siguniang → Dujiangyan → Chengdu
- Departure for Chengdu, with a stop at the historic Dujiangyan irrigation system.
- Arrival in Chengdu and evening stroll through the city center.
- Night in Chengdu.
Day 12 – Chengdu and Giant Panda Breeding Research Base
- Morning visit to the Giant Panda Conservation Center, home to Sichuan’s famous bears.
- Afternoon route through the center to see Wenshu Monastery, People’s Park, or try authentic Sichuan hot pot.
- Farewell dinner.
Day 13 – Chengdu and Return
- Free morning for shopping or visiting other spots in central Sichuan.
- Afternoon/evening transfer to Chengdu International Airport for your flight home.
Why choose this unique trip through Yunnan and Sichuan?
- Balanced Route: 11 days of travel through Yunnan and Sichuan, finishing with two nights in Chengdu to close the journey.
- Landscape Diversity: From traditional villages to sacred Tibetan mountains.
- Tibetan Route without leaving China: Monasteries, steppes, and nomadic culture.
- Adventure and Comfort: Private driver, local guides, and selected accommodations.
- Photography and Trekking: Ideal settings for active travelers and photography lovers.
Included and Not Included Services
| ✅ Included | ❌ Not Included |
| 12 nights of accommodation in guesthouses and local hotels. | International and domestic flights. |
| Private driver throughout the entire route. | Lunches and dinners (except breakfasts at accommodations). |
| Local guides at key points (Yading, Shangri-La, Lijiang, Siguniang, Chengdu). | Mandatory travel insurance with high-altitude coverage. |
| Entrance fees to natural parks, temples, and historical sites. | Personal expenses, tips, and extras not specified. |
| Start and end transfers in Chengdu / Dali. |
Price of the Trip to Yunnan and Sichuan
Important: The more travelers, the cheaper it gets!
The price for this trip to Yunnan and Sichuan is based on providing local guides who communicate in English.
| Group Size | With local guides (English) |
| 2–3 people | From €2,350 |
| 4–6 people | From €2,150 |
| 7–8 people | From €1,900 |
| 9–10 people | From €1,700 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Do I need a visa? Currently, Spanish travelers (and several other nationalities) do not require a visa for tourist stays of up to 30 days (confirm before traveling).
- Is trekking experience required? No. Average physical condition is sufficient. There are long days on the road and excursions lasting 3 to 6 hours.
- What is the best time to go? Spring and autumn are most recommended. In summer, nature is at its greenest, while in winter, the snowy landscapes are spectacular.
- What type of accommodation is there? Boutique hotels in cities, guesthouses in Tibetan villages, and mountain lodges in Yading and Siguniang.
- Can the trip be done as a private group? Yes. You can travel with friends, partner, or family with a private driver and exclusive guides.
- Can the route be modified? Yes. We can customize the itinerary to last more days, include new stops, or adapt it to your interests.
- Is it possible to do the route with only a driver? Yes. If you prefer a more independent trip, we can arrange the route with just a private driver.
Trip to Yunnan and Sichuan: Book Your Spot
This 13-day journey through Yunnan and Sichuan is a unique opportunity to enter the Tibetan world, explore dreamlike landscapes, and live an authentic cultural experience.
- Write to us at👉: contacto@sindestinoaparente.com
- Fill out the contact form
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I invite you to read our travelers’ reviews. In this section, you can discover their experiences and how they lived their adventure in Yunnan with us. Also, if you want to learn more about our trips to Yunnan and China, and other aspects of China to keep in mind, I recommend taking a look at these articles:
- Yunnan Trekking Trip: 11-day itinerary with driver and local guides.
- Organized Trip to Yunnan: 13 days through Deep China (Without trekking).
- Guide to Traveling to China: Basic tips and useful information.
- The Best Apps for Traveling to China: 11 Essentials.
- What to See in Yunnan: 10 must-visit places.
Spots are limited and this year you can travel to China without needing to apply for a visa in advance. It’s the perfect time to embark on an adventure! Go ahead and sign up for our trip to Yunnan and Sichuan.
See you in China!
